New Zealand A team announced

Sir Richard Hadlee, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) selection manager, has named the New Zealand A team to tour Sri Lanka in September 2005. The squad includes New Zealand Test cricketers such as Chris Harris, Daryl Tuffey, Mathew Sinclair, Chris Martin, James Marshall and James Franklin.

Peter Fulton, who averaged 69 in the State Championship and has a high score of 221 not out, will lead the side. Chris Harris and Daryl Tuffey are recovering from injuries and the Sri Lanka tour will give them a chance to prove their fitness for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

"The team has also been selected to help us gain a better understanding of the new ODI rules and to explore the use of a substitute player," said Hadlee, quoted in a NZC media release. "We have a very full programme of ODIs coming up and we need to explore strategies for maximising our performance under the new rules." The team will be managed Hadlee and coached by Mark O'Donnell, the State Auckland Aces coach, and Vaughn Johnson, the State Wellington Firebirds coach.

The team: Peter Fulton (captain), James Franklin, Chris Harris, Gareth Hopkins, Jamie How, James Marshall, Bruce Martin, Chris Martin, Iain O'Brien, Michael Papps, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Mathew Sinclair, Daryl Tuffey